Umbrella

14|Tabloids

24 Days.

That's exactly how late Marissa's period was.

Her period had never been regular. There were times when she would go three months without one and other times when she would get it twice in one. However, she knew this time it meant something else.

A while ago, she heard of a clinical study they were doing for infertile women. The medication and treatments were all free for women who qualified, Marissa was one of them.

Without her husband's knowledge, she would drive two hours to the clinic to receive treatment and back. She was hoping to surprise him with a baby soon.

Now, Marissa rushed to the pharmacy to pick up multiple pregnancy tests. Her heart was racing, beating 100 beats a second.

They were all positive.

That little cross symbol on the stick was what Marissa has been praying for.

"It's positive" Marissa whispered.

The reality of what that meant still hasn't hit her.

--
"Marissa, I was trying to save your mother" Michael began before Marissa interrupted him.
"Yes, because having 12 different women on your bed would definitely ensure my mother's health" She said sarcastically.

Michael sighed.

"My mother threatened me Marissa! She never approved of you, this was her way of making sure you never came back and it worked! Do you really think I would do all of this willingly? Do you really think I would hurt you purposely? I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you goddamnit!" Michael yelled. "My mother not only threatened to take your mom off life support, she said she would take care of you herself"

Marissa stayed quiet. His argument was anything but convincing.

"Why does she hate me so much to do this?" She finally questioned.
"She's not human Marissa. Her greed outweighs her common sense. She'll do anything to stay relevant and have money"

Lauren was still bed bound in the hospital. Her heart rate was normal again and her breathing was now a rhythm.

"I don't feel Lauren is safe with you. If what you said is true, Lauren might be next"

--

Lauren was released from the hospital a week later. Doctors ran hundreds of tests to make sure she did not have any underlying conditions. Thankfully Lauren passed all of them and the doctors cleared her as a healthy child.

Michael took Lauren home that evening while Marissa finally went back to work. After quitting her last job, Marissa went back to childcare in order to keep up with the bills.

At home, Michael sat watching Lauren eat feeling thankful that nothing serious happened to her. He was still getting used to the whole parenting thing which involved a lot of learning.

Meanwhile, Claire sat in her mansion drinking wine while talking to a companion.

"The girl just got released from the hospital. Michael already has her home" The man said.
"I heard. We need to get rid of her... permanently. It's the only way to get Michael's head back into what really matters; building up our family name. Tabloids no longer want anything to do with us. We haven't made a headline since last year" Claire complained.
"Killing the child is only going to put him in a depressive state. Holding her as leverage however..." The man trailed off.

Claire thought about it. He was right. Killing Lauren would only cause Michael to go even further away from the scene, he loved her too much. Holding her hostage for leverage would guarantee full cooperation.

"How would we get ahold of her?" Asked Claire.
"Leave it up to me" The man smirked.

Claire smiled back evilly before placing a kiss on Lincoln's cheek.

"Don't let me down"

--

Author's Note

I apologize for writing this part years later (lol) writers block really gets to me and then I completely forget about the book. I've been staying active though and reading all of your comments. I'm so grateful for each and every one of you for the support you have all given me. Can't thank you all enough. 46k views is HUGE and its thanks to all of you. Summer is coming up in about two weeks so many updates are heading your way! Thank you all sooo soo much again. Love ya!